A pro-European Union candidate was elected president of the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state on Sunday. Talat won 56 percent of the vote for president of the Turkish Cypriot state, while his main rival, Dervis Eroglu, polled just 23 percent, according to official results with all of the ballot boxes counted. "I want to underline again that Turkish Cypriots are calling for reunification and EU membership," Talat said after his victory was announced. "I am also calling on the Greek Cypriot leaders that I am extending my hand for peace and this hand will be there until it is held. I sincerely believe that one day this hand will be held," Talat said.
